We recently asked five Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) members for a tip for productively leading a remote or hybrid team. Here’s what they shared:

Nora Gomez, Chief Merchandising Officer, Nebraska Furniture Mart

  • “Ensure there are rules of engagement for virtual meetings.
  • Have an agenda. Virtual fatigue is a real thing!
  • Have a heightened awareness to “proximity bias” — there’s a tendency to look more favorably on the people we see more often. Or “Presenteeism” — favoring those who feel most comfortable in a traditional office setting.
  • As leaders, we need to build an environment where employees feel seen, heard and included no matter where they’re working.”

Kate Boyer, Co-Founder and CEO, Anatomie
“Super intense communications and fun programs in the mix of meetings, like movie nights or happy hours.”

Brieane Olson, President, PacSun
“Create space for innovation, brainstorming and creative thought sessions. I set aside two hours each week on Friday with my leadership team to have lunch together virtually, reflect on the week, and provide opportunities to innovate the future together.”

Jamie Martin, Vice President, Merchandise Operations and Inventory Management, mDesign
“Blocking time on your calendar to be available for your team. Also, schedule and keep weekly touch-bases so you have a dedicated time for each of your direct reports. You may need to adjust the day or the amount of time, but making sure you stay connected with your team and giving them one-to-one time every week is so critical. This is also a great way to ensure everyone is aligned on priorities because things can change so fast. You must make sure you’re all on the same page.”

Sarah Peters, Director, Franchising, GNC
“It’s important to be consistent in focusing on performance — getting the work done correctly — and maintaining an awareness of how everyone is doing personally. If the team is hybrid, it’s worthwhile to have the team come into the office on the same days to touch base with one another in person on both a professional and personal level.”